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2026-27 Toronto Maple Leafs General Discussion | Official: Sundin & Chayka to lead front office

Andlauer released a statement about Alfredsson joining the Leafs, was this really necessary? That is some loser energy right there.
 
Every team has a similar list.

Broadly, every team has a "list" but they can be substantially different.

When I look at Colorado or Carolina, they still look to be comfortable contenders.
Ditto for Canadiens, Flyers, Lightning, Oilers, Stars & Wild as comfortable playoff teams
Vegas took some hits on their roster but I wouldn't conclude "bust" for them
Capitals, Panthers and others have improved
There are a bunch of teams in the NHL that do not seem in as precarious a place both in terms of making the playoffs next year (odds makers have the Leafs in about 18th place) and roster stability in the coming years (a lot of them do not have a chronically injured Auston Matthews type player who may or may not be fully recovered and he may be playing his last season in Toronto).

It is one thing if your roster is a stable contender and you're trying by working on a list to add the final pieces to take it over the top. It is a very different problem with a different list split in two when you could be blowing it up in 12 months or less and the odds makers have you on the outside looking in at a playoff spot.

Chayka & Sundin are in a more complex position. I don't agree with their every move but they have my sympathy. They're in a tough spot having to plan for radically different outcomes. They're not alone. Ottawa or Anaheim or others may also be at a crossroads for example.
 

Lalonde and Van Ryn are both out.

No mention of Sullivan here. Chayka said something about the possibility of someone in the coaching staff being moved to a different position in the organization a little while ago when he was asked about the rumour Van Ryn wasn't returning. Guessing that's what's happening here as Sullivan was an assistant GM under Chayka in Arizona. Also wonder about him maybe taking the now open Marlies head coach job.

Good for Gruden. Taking a 15th place team to win the Calder Cup is very special (never been done in the AHL or NHL)
I didn't mind Lalonde from an outsiders perspective but he wasn't coaching me ..
I'm not too keen on Alfredsson but I guess I have to give him a chance like Spezza - we have no choice.
Steve Sullivan salvaged the Leafs PP last season. What is his disposition?
 

Jim Hiller - Head coach
Daniel Alfredsson - Associate coach: PP? just Forwards?
John Gruden - Assistant coach: Defense, maybe PP if not Alfredsson?
Brad Werenka - Assistant coach:
herman: So, you take the data from the analytics department... and then you physically walk it down to the players?
BW: uh yes, yes
herman: So I just have to ask, why doesn't the analytics department just take their data to the players directly?
BW: well, I'll tell you why. uh, because players are not good at dealing with analytics people!
herman: So you... physically take the data from the analytics department?
BW: well... ... no? my, my secretary does that. or the fax!
herman: so then you must physically bring them to the players
BW: well.... no. sometimes! I mean...
herman: What would you say... ya do here?
BW: *sweating* look! I already told you! I deal with the goddamn analytics department so the players don't have to! I have people skills! I am good at dealing with people! can't you understand that?! What the hell is wrong with you?!
 

Jim Hiller - Head coach
Daniel Alfredsson - Associate coach: PP? just Forwards?
John Gruden - Assistant coach: Defense, maybe PP if not Alfredsson?
Brad Werenka - Assistant coach:
herman: So, you take the data from the analytics department... and then you physically walk it down to the players?
BW: uh yes, yes
herman: So I just have to ask, why doesn't the analytics department just take their data to the players directly?
BW: well, I'll tell you why. uh, because players are not good at dealing with analytics people!
herman: So you... physically take the data from the analytics department?
BW: well... ... no? my, my secretary does that. or the fax!
herman: so then you must physically bring them to the players
BW: well.... no. sometimes! I mean...
herman: What would you say... ya do here?
BW: *sweating* look! I already told you! I deal with the goddamn analytics department so the players don't have to! I have people skills! I am good at dealing with people! can't you understand that?! What the hell is wrong with you?!
Is Brad Treliving in the basement with a red stapler?
 
The Leafs updated the coaches on their website and Sullivan is not listed as an assistant coach anymore, or anywhere else on the page. Again presumably that means he's taking a different position in the organization somewhere, likely either Marlies head coach or management.
 
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